Secret Blend

Bourbon Springs #1

by Jennifer Bramseth

Sexy secrets have serious consequences in Bourbon Springs, Kentucky—in the heart of the Land of Bourbon and Bluegrass…

When longtime courtroom rivals Rachel Richards and Brady Craft get appointed to the bench in Bourbon Springs, Kentucky, tempers flare as they are forced to share chambers.

Working closely with the obstinate-yet-sexy Brady is not an attractive idea to Rachel—although she has to admit that Brady himself is pretty damned attractive.

Rachel doesn't have to run for office to keep her judgeship, but Brady does. He draws a formidable opponent, Hannah Davenport, a wealthy co-owner of Old Garnet Distillery, where some of the finest Kentucky bourbon is crafted north of town along Old Crow Creek and near the historic springs which gave the town its unique name.

And Hannah just happens to be Rachel’s best friend.

As the judicial race heats up, so does the relationship between the judges—so they decide to keep it a secret.

But can any secret be kept in little Bourbon Springs, Kentucky?

SECRET BLEND is the first book in the Bourbon Springs Series, an upcoming nine-book series of smooth, sensual, sexy, slow-burn contemporary romances set amidst the lush and rolling Land of Bourbon and Bluegrass of central Kentucky.

Genres: Romance, Contemporary Romance, Contemporary, Adult, Enemies To Lovers, Romantic Suspense, M F Romance

253 pages, ebook

First published June 3, 2015

About the author

Jennifer Bramseth is the author of the Bourbon Springs Series and Bourbonland Series of contemporary romances, and the Devil Springs Cozy Mysteries. She is a Kentucky native and lifelong resident who lives next to a horse farm and within minutes of several bourbon distilleries.

Reviews

[Coco.V]

💝 FREE on Amazon today (12/22/2017)! 💝

[A Klue · Rating 4 out of 5]

(This review is based on ARC e-book provided by publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest opinion.)

Secret Blend was an enjoyable young lawyer romance featuring a beautiful, feisty, public defender heroine, Rachel, and an equally career minded prosecutor hero, Brady. After vying for the same judgeship in their hometown, they find themselves sharing the same office quarters. Having known each other for years, but not romantically, repressed feelings begin to blossom into a meaningful relationship they try to keep private. With quick witted banter between the main couple and a likeable cast of supporting characters, the storyline seemed to flow well throughout most of the book. My exceptions would be Hannah’s over-the-top behavior/actions after finding out about the relationship. It seemed more applicable to a middle school student than a well educated lawyer, who would realize there could easily be legal ramifications for such slanderous conduct. The Jed Clampett-like character that appeared in the courtroom near the end of the story added too much of a hillbilly flair for my taste. Though I liked the surprise twist to the plot it initiated, realistically I do not think anyone talks like that anymore.

Overall, I do recommend Secret Blend, Book #1 of the Bourbon Springs series. Filtered Through Blue (Book #2 – pub. date 6/14/15) and Angel’s Share (Book #3 – pub. date 7/14/15) will be the next in this nine book series.

[Lillian Cummings · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this book and great easy read of two people knowing each other for years and finding each other again. Rachel has moved back home and has been made a judge, her dream come true but there is someone that is not happy with that idea. Brady wants that seat he deserves it and he will make sure that he gets it. They have known each other since school and have history together but Brady won't give her the time of day. Now they have to share a office so not going to work. But they actually realise that they were meant to be together as they both love each other but it isn't that simple.

Someone else wants Brady's seat and they have the money & the town behind them. Rachel & Brady try keep their relationship secret but it gets out and it turns nasty for them. Rachel thought that her best friend would accept them being together instead she will do everything she can to destroy their happiness.

Can everything work out or will Brady leave town to work somewhere else? Rachel won't let him go without a fight but how can they make it work.

Lots of laughs and tears. Great to see that Brady has a soft side and that he isn't too afraid to let the town now. Rachel is a strong woman that wants her man she has waited so long for him.

The story had a nice pace to it and the characters were great. I can't wait to read another one in the series. I received a ARC copy for the author.

[Mary Jo · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a pleasant surprise. I got the opportunity to review this book by the author through a GoodReads group. I was very intrigued by the synopsis and have to admit that I truly enjoyed the story. Jennifer Bramseth gives us a great town with a strong heritage in bourbon making that provides a wonderful back drop for this romance. Brady and Rachel have known each other for years, they are friends and even worked together during law school. As the outsider looking in, I sensed that there should be more to this relationship but neither ever acknowledged or took a chance on anything other than friendship. When they both end up back in their hometown working and Rachel gets the job Brady has been slaving for, well, the sparks start to fly. This story had me hating Brady at one point then totally rooting for him to succeed. I love the banter we get with Rachel and Brady. Rachel is tough and won't take any of his crap which is awesome to see, he needs someone to put him in his place and wake up to how far his priorities had gotten screwed up. I love the balance of their romance coupled with them working on their careers along with how they interact with the town. Overall a wonderful romance to escape with that will keep you on your toes!

[Rachel C. · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars. This was a cute romance. Brody and Rachel are an awesome couple and their story is definitely worth reading. I liked that there were all of those little "hints" that made me think something epically bad was going to happen... and then they didn't. Kept me on my toes!. The story was simple, yet complex and definitely had some seriously steamy bits. I can't wait to read the next one.

[Note: review also posted on LibraryThing; received this book as a LibraryThing Member Giveaway in exchange for an honest review]

[Margie Watson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was given a arc of this book for a honest review.

Rachel and Brady where do I start,
They tiptoed around each other most of their lives and had so many missed opportunities so when they finally get to a actual for real date I found myself cheering for them.
I wasn't a big fan of Hannah's but she redeemed herself by the end if the book.
Bourbon Springs had alot of interesting characters so I will be waiting patiently for future books.
The book itself was well written and edited. It held my interest and I enjoyed the story. Great job Jennifer.

[Debbie Hughes · Rating 5 out of 5]

What can I say about this book…..well, I just love it! Rachel and Brady are perfect! This is a great read.

If you like falling in love and figuring it all out this book is for you. Quick read and very well written. Jennifer Bramseth brings to life these home town kids that grow up and find each other. It is a great story. Could not put it down. Some hot scenes, with that great romance that we love. Looking forward to reading the rest of the series.

[Janet Overstreet · Rating 4 out of 5]

WOW! What a great first book (in a series) for a new author!!! Rachel and Brady grew on me as the story went along. They encountered and weathered many situations together, but as the saying goes "it makes you stronger". Jennifer set the stage for some of the characters in upcoming books. I'm eagerly awaiting for the next book!!!

[Isha Coleman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Secret Blend is a sensual story of a love-hate relationship between two strong yet flawed central characters. Throw in a power struggle and you have an explosively entertaining romance. I received an ARC of Secret Blend by Jennifer Bramseth for an honest review.

[Monique V · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars. I loved this book because it gave me all the right feels. It was super romantic and just what I needed!!

[Liz · Rating 2 out of 5]

I could not get into this. Lawyers in a small town want to be judges... I was bored.

[Dottiebears · Rating 1 out of 5]

Not sure where to start on this one. It felt like a YA novel with sex. Lots of sex. Pointless sex. There was very little character development that I could tell other than the office person and the best friend, and that was minimal at best. Where were families who presumably lived in town? Other friends? Even acquaintances went from being good to see to irritants in the space of a paragraph. And for what are supposed to be tough lawyers and judges they both act like teenagers sneaking around. And the drama, oh, the drama! And all the crying. He cried. She cried. The tears flowed, trickled, gushed. There was the big plot thing, then the big misunderstanding, the big makeup, more sex, the end. And it has my least favorite thing: the public proposal. ugh. I won't be reading any more of this series.

[Aerin · Rating 2 out of 5]

I've been feeling a bit off lately, so although I have several new releases burning a hole in my Kobo, I opted to read something else I got free/cheap. Secret Blend, Bourbon Springs #1 by Jennifer Bramseth. 

This was another mediocre read. Nothing horrible, but nothing really to suck me in. The plot pretty much depended on some manufactured drama to move things along. The characters were pretty flat and the sex scenes weren't very inspired. The writing was fine, nothing too odd or poorly done. The whole thing was just... bland.

I've given a number of books that were better than this a 3 star rating, so this one gets a 2. Also posted on my blog: http://editrix.ca/2018/10/review-9-se... ‎

[Wauktown Thumper · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed the story but the hostage situation was a little to mushy for me. I like the style in which the author wrote the book. By that I mean giving just the right amount of information to set a scenario that allows the reader to use their imagination but directs them where she wants them to go.

[Anita (Hearts and Whodunits) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great contemporary romance about the love between two people that began when they were in school together. The one didn't know how the other felt about them. As they became older, they realized that they were given another chance to be together. And, they took it! I loved every minute of it. I will be reading the rest of this series!

[Beth · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute story. A bit long and several references to things it seems the reader should understand except this is the first book in the series so that's not possible.

Seems like the start of a cute series.

[Jackie Blatt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Secret Blend(Bourbon Springs Book 1)

Wow what a book! This book was so hard to put down. I totally enjoyed it and lost a lot of sleep but it was worth it. I highly recommend you read it!!

[Rebecca Mulligan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Justice Prevails

This is a nice, sweet (if somewhat predictable) romance that takes place in the ambit of the legal profession. Anyone who likes happily ever after story's will enjoy it.

[Trudy Gleason · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed this book and the relationship. Both jump to conclusions a bit too quickly but that is pretty normal. I do like the history of Bourbon included in the book.

[Mary E · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good story

I liked all the twists and turns in this story. It moved along quickly and held my interest. I highly recommend this book.

[Nerissa Golden · Rating 4 out of 5]

Finally got to dive into the first book in this series.
Whether you read them in order or not, you will be hooked.

[Veronica · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved this story. I enjoyed learning about bourbon.

[Tina · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read as part of the 3-book box set. Liked the story.

[Misty · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was cheesy and pointless.
But at least it was free.

[Patti · Rating 4 out of 5]

Strong characters and a good story line. Enjoyed this book.

[Tiffany Franklin · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was entertaining, if predictable. For me it was a 3.5 star book. Easy to finish but nothing that would keep you coming back for more in the series.

[Shirlgig · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story was a bit wacky, but I still enjoyed it.

[donnamauldin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Blend

I enjoyed reading this book. It is a romance book but has a lot of other things going for it.

[Charlene]

DNF 10%

[Debbie Devaney · Rating 4 out of 5]

Heading right into book 2. Can't wait!